[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25140]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           WAGONTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2007

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wagontown 
Volunteer Fire Company in Chester County, PA which will dedicate its 
new facility and celebrate its 60th anniversary on Saturday, September 
22, 2007. This fire company traces its history back to 1947 when it was 
housed in a single-bay fire station located on Wagontown Road and Route 
340.
  The original fire station was replaced in 1954 with a larger building 
located at 416 West Kings Highway with direct access to Route 340. It 
was designed and built with room for additional equipment that would be 
needed as the community grew. It was not only used to house the fire 
apparatus, but also as a meeting, banquet and fundraising facility.
  In 1995, the Company decided that in order to keep up with the 
continuing growth in West Caln and West Brandywine Townships, an 
additional facility was needed. The small, single-station fire company 
that started in 1947 had grown into a fully operational fire and rescue 
company. The fleet at that time consisted of five vehicles. A 
groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 23, 2005, with site 
preparation and building construction beginning shortly thereafter. The 
building of 5 bays, offices and a 300 seat community banquet facility 
was then completed and the Company was able to occupy and begin working 
out of the new facility in September of 2006.
  Over the past 60 years, the Wagontown fleet has grown to seven 
apparatus and the Company is led by the tireless work of Chief Jeff 
Benach. The Company is 100 percent volunteer and has been supported by 
donations from the community and with numerous fundraisers. The 
Wagontown Volunteer Fire Company has thrived due to the countless 
sacrifices and endless dedication of the many men and women who 
volunteer to support this local treasure and to preserve and protect 
the lives and property of their fellow citizens.
  I know all my colleagues join me today in congratulating the 
Wagontown Volunteer Fire Company for all the work they do in their 
community. We wish them another 60 years of heroic lifesaving and 
honorable stewardship as they continue to keep West Caln and West 
Brandywine Townships safe.

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